Do You Have Dry Eye Syndrome?

Tears in the eyes contain water, mucus and oils. Water helps to maintain the moisture of eyes and oil lubricates them. The flow of tears in the eyes is responsible for vision and comfort of eyes.

Any imbalance the tear system causes the eyes to dry. An important cause is ageing, which is the most common factor because the production of tears decreases, with increasing age.

Other causes include not blinking the eyes enough (blinking fills the eye with tears). Many of us do not blink eyes properly while watching television or while working on computers. Even wearing of contact lenses can cause dry eyes. Also, excessive use of air condition or heat causes dryness of tear film itself leading to the development of dry eyes.

Women suffer more from this condition than men because of certain hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause etc. that reduces the tear formation. Intake of some medications like birth control pills, antidepressants and nasal drops can also cause dry eyes.

When a person suffers from dry eyes he experiences itching, redness, burning, sensitivity to light, pain in eyes or sensation of presence of some foreign body inside the eye.

This condition of eyes in turn leads to more production of tears in response to itching and burning. But these extra-formed tears do not contain the essential oils, which help in lubricating the eyes.

One can prevent dry eyes by remembering few things in the daily routine. Wear glasses whenever you go out of home to protect the eyes from dust. Also, while working on computer or watching television take a break and wash your eyes with water. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption may also be useful.

Some home remedies to manage the dry eye syndrome include washing the eyes regularly and putting a wet cloth over them and relax. Eye drops of artificial tears can also be used daily. Protect your eyes by taking some extra care of them.

If the conditions become worse then consulting an eye specialist becomes necessary.